American Cruise Lines

A friend of mine has taken several. I'll check in with her. Also, if you happen to do the Columbia River one from Portland, OR to Richland WA, let me know. I could meet you for coffee at the Richland stop, presuming there is some free time in town.

CanAmCherie, thanks SO much. And that is one I am considering and will certainly try to meet up if I do.

I have not taken one, but know a woman who took Columbia River cruise and was quite disappointed. I’d read reviews carefully.

I looked at their cruises, but found them to be outrageously expensive.

We took a cruise from Seattle up through Alaska. We decided we are not cruise people. We really enjoyed the scenery and some of the time on land. The at sea time was very relaxing. We really enjoyed the view from our balcony. However, we did not enjoy the vibe on the boat too much. We did not enjoy the "entertainment". The food was not that great. We made a few connections with others but with 3000 people on the boat running into them again was rare. We won't do it again.

I haven't done US cruises (or any cruises, TBH) but you might also look into land-based tours in the US and Canada. Road Scholar has many offerings (https://www.roadscholar.org/collections/us-canada-travel-tours/) as does Intrepid (https://www.intrepidtravel.com/us/north-america) and GAdventures (https://www.gadventures.com/destinations/north-america/). I'm sure there are others.

Katie,
The American Cruise Lines operates river cruises, with small ships. Nothing like an ocean cruise.

Thanks, CL: Yes, I am aware of Road Scholar and have been on 3 of their North America tours.

I have done two Alaska cruises leaving from Seattle. I have also done Hawaii.

All were on Norwegian Cruise Line. They were all beautiful.

I believe that Norwegian is the only cruise line to be able to sail four Hawaiian islands for a seven day cruise. And it is on Pride of America which is a small ship as far as cruise lines go. Hawaii is very port heavy. I think that you are in port every day.

As far as Alaska, many cruise lines do the Seattle to Alaska. I would look at all of them. See where they go. Check out port times because some of the trips do not give you very much time in port.

If Victoria is one of the ports, check out how long you will be there. Victoria is very beautiful and you want to spend as much time as possible there. Norwegian does not offer much time in Victoria which is a real disappointment.

There is also a cruise from New York or Boston to Canada which i hear is very beautiful but have not yet taken.

And I know that Norwegian does one up the Pacific Coast which looks interesting and beautiful but have not done.

I was very satisfied with the food and the ships. I like the smaller ships but comfortable and happy with the bigger ones. Not everyone is happy with the food and entertainment or the ships. Other people are very satisfied.

Thanks, Bostonphil, I've been on an Alaska Cruise on Princess Cruise Lines. I'm specifically interested in any experience on American Cruise line which has smaller, much more intimate ships. I'm particularly interested in some of their river cruises and the eastern intercoastal cruises.

I've never been on an American Cruise Lines ship but I was in Bristol, RI (one of their ports of call) and was at the America's Cup museum the day before the ship was due in. The museum is one of the crews' mail drop sites. One of the museum staff members volunteered how nice the crew was and expressed an interest in taking one of their trips at some point.

Youtuber JIM ZIM has taken several cruises on their ships and has videos on them

Carol, I can see where the Columbia River cruise might be disappointing. While the Columbia River Gorge can be beautiful in fall (though I've driven through, not cruised) I think the dry hills along much of the river towards Richland could be monotonous---certainly not the evergreen one thinks of the PNW. I have not looked at the itinerary. I'm curious, now, to see what side trips there may be to add interest. Nonetheless, I'm happy to meet up with anyone who comes to my neck of the woods (or the Columbia/shrub steppe, as it is).

BigTyke, thanks for the You Tube recommendation. I think Jim's videos will be very helpful. He even recommends a good travel agent. I don't normally use one, but might try it for this trip.

I have not taken the Columbia River cruise on American Cruise Lines. But, I have a friend who did it with another friend and they had a great time. I cannot address the ship or food.

As a native Oregonian, I looked at the itinerary. For me, Astoria is a must. Multnomah Falls is a 30 minute stop at most. Bonneville Dam and the fish hatchery are really interesting and traversing the river through the locks is fun. Pendleton, Oregon is great. Although we still need to go back and do the underground. Usually it’s a stop on our way to Walla Walla.

It seems really expensive for what is offered. We have done two small ship Alaska trips which have been amazing through Alaska Dream Cruises, and while expensive, very well done and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them. I will never get on a big cruise ship again. But that’s just me!

Should have added husband and I are mid 70’s and did RS Village Italy last spring.